Dan Windham

A retired community within the grounds of the Old Swan Hotel could be set to expand after a second phase of development was submitted.

Ortus Homes, part of McCarthy & Stone, have submitted plans to expand their developments within the grounds of the hotel after gaining approval for 33 apartments in 2014.

The proposed development would comprise of 12 two-bedroom apartment in a thee storey block, available to residents aged 55 and over, which would replicate the design of the current scheme.

The site will be located to the rear of the Old Swan Hotel and a separate Communal Store and Refuse Room are provided in a small ancillary building to serve the residents.

According to developers, purchasers of the apartments would give residents the ‘freedom to preserve their lifestyle and make it easier to enjoy active living’.

Steve Secker Regional Managing Director at McCarthy & Stone (Northern Region) said: “We are committed to investing in Harrogate and are confident that our plans will deliver a sensitively designed development that is in keeping with local architecture.

“We are confident that there is a local need for this type of accommodation, with over 500 people registering an interest in purchasing one of the properties in our initial scheme.”

McCarthy & Stone already has planning permission at the site for 33 apartments with secure on-site parking which are currently under construction with the first homeowners set to move in around October this year.

In the meantime, the hotel have converted their former tennis courts on the other side of the south-west wall into a surface car-park.

In the developer’s design and access statement, they argued the apartments would allow residents to maintain their independence as well as meeting other people

A statement read: “Maintaining independence is a great benefit, and with the proposed development being so close to the shops and local amenities residents would be able to satisfy their every-day requirements without the need for private transport should they wish.

“With less maintenance to worry about, the upkeep of an apartment is kept to a minimum. Being able to socialise within the development itself enables residents to meet other people without leaving their property.

“Comprehensive research shows residents of private retirement housing are healthier, live longer and have less call on the state than those who remain in ordinary housing.

“It offers independent living with low maintenance, in a safe and secure environment, and with backup assistance should it be necessary.

“The site offers the future residents a quiet and relaxed environment with good views, and within close proximity of all required facilities.

Harrogate Borough Council have the final say on the application with a decision likely to be expected this summer.